Washington, D.C. (March 1, 2013) - The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) announced today the finalists for the GEA Honors, which recognize companies and individuals that have made significant contributions during the past year to advancing technology, spurring economic development and protecting the environment. Now in its third year, GEA also provides special recognition of companies and individuals who have made notable advances and achievements for geothermal energy.

“This diverse group of honorees is leading the development, financing and implementation of geothermal energy both within and outside the United States,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “It takes a community of stakeholders to develop and operate a renewable, sustainable energy source. We at GEA are pleased to honor these companies and individuals for their contributions to this growing industry.”

GEA has named the finalists for GEA Honors in the following categories: Technological Advancement, Economic Development and Environmental Stewardship. GEA will announce a final winner in each category in December. Additionally, GEA will award the Special Recognition award to GEA or non-member companies or individuals making significant contributions to the geothermal energy industry.

Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company that has developed a new, innovative, or pioneering technology to further geothermal development.

Finalists include:

AltaRock Energy: As a leader in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), AltaRock Energy has recently excelled in diverter technology and hydro-shearing, thereby forming a foundation for future expansion of EGS in the energy marketplace.

SPX Heat Transfer LLC: SPX has developed and implemented a new type of direct contact condenser called an Advanced Direct Contact Condenser or ADCC. ADCC technology was recently chosen to be used in the largest geothermal units constructed in Kenya, as well as in some of the smallest.

U.S. Geothermal’s 22 MW Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Power Plant: Through a U.S. government program promoting the development of “Innovative Technology,” U.S. Geothermal received financing for its Neal Hot Springs project in Vale, Oregon to develop and build the first commercial, supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) binary power plant. TAS Energy designed, manufactured and installed the supercritical ORC binary power plant employing R134a, an organic working fluid that is non-toxic and non-flammable.

Economic Development: Awarded to an individual or company that has made a substantial contribution to the development of local, regional or national markets through the development of geothermal systems.

Finalists include:

GGE Chile: GGE Chile has been the leading geothermal developer in Chile, the most active geothermal development market in Latin America. GGE Chile has looked to the local community for industry leadership: in combination with the talent and resources of Mighty River Power, and the exploration and project management experience of GeoGlobal Energy LLC, GGE Chile has trained its Chilean engineers and geologists to create the leading geothermal exploration and development team in the country.

GeothermEx’s work encompasses more than just a review of the resource data. The company excels in the facilitation of common understanding between developers and financiers. To date, GeothermEx’s evaluations have enabled the development of more than 7,000 MW of geothermal power, the total financed to date exceeding $12 billion US.

Environmental Stewardship: Awarded to an individual or company that has fostered outstanding environmental stewardship through the use of geothermal systems. This award will be presented in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI).

Dale Merrick, Canby Geothermal: Dale Merrick has been a leader and visionary working to implement a community-based geothermal development project at Canby, California. The project would produce power and cascade the remaining energy to support an existing geothermal district heating system and future greenhouse and aquaculture businesses. If successful, Canby would be the first net-zero community in California and a model to the 71 communities in the state identified by the CEC as having a co-located geothermal resource. Projects like the Canby Geothermal System take many different types of support, and an advocate and visionary, like Dale Merrick, is essential. Canby Geothermal is a classic example of what a geothermal "champion" and a supportive community can do.

Special Recognition: The Special Recognition Award is open to individuals or companies either within the GEA membership or beyond for outstanding achievement in the geothermal industry. This award will be announced later this year when the winners in the categories above are announced.
For more information, please contact Shawna Seldon at
Shawna@rosengrouppr.com or 917 971 7852.
About the Geothermal Energy Association:The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the
expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power
generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and
utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems,
encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to
governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles
statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more
information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/. Check out GEA’s YouTube Channel.
Follow GEA on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook..